Worried parents have called for action following the rehousing of a convicted paedophile in their village, writes Tim Hughes

Villagers in Cholsey are furious that they were not informed that a man with a previous conviction for a sexual offence against juveniles was being moved into temporary accommodation.

At a meeting in the village's pavilion last night, they claimed the housing association flat in Honey Lane, where the man has been housed, is unsuitable and demanded guarantees over its future use. Maggie Smith, of Honey Lane, said that householders were angry that the flats, which are owned by South Oxfordshire Housing Association, were being used as temporary accommodation for sex offenders and criminals.

She said: "This is the last straw. We have been complaining about the behaviour of some of the tenants there for some time, but have recently found out that a paedophile had been put in there.

"I am extremely angry and very scared. We are fed up with being ignored."

She called on villagers to be vigilant and report any suspicious or alarming behaviour to the police. Karen Moxon, from Church Road, said: "We want to be able to open our front doors, let our children out and know they will come back when we expect them to."

Another Cholsey resident Paul Stevens, of Kentwood Close, demanded information on the man from police and housing bosses. He said: "There are people from all walks of life here, but if a paedophile is living here we should know." Insp Duncan Graham, of Wallingford police, said that officers were aware that residents were concerned and called for co-operation.

He said: "We want to hear the views of residents and do what we can to allay fears.

"Thames Valley Police strives to protect the community from all categories of crime and offenders."

Story date: Wednesday 28 April

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